The world population has now reached 8 billion

Eight billion. That’s the number of humans estimated to be alive on Earth.

On November 15, the global population reached this landmark, according to a projection from the United Nations.

In addition to being a cause for celebration, “the 8 billion milestone also brings important responsibilities, and highlights related challenges for social and economic development and environmental sustainability,” said Maria-Francesca Spatolisano, the U.N. assistant secretary-general for policy coordination and inter-agency affairs, at a news conference in July.

Though the global population continues to expand, the rate of growth is slowing. Current projections predict the world’s population will peak at about 10.4 billion in the 2080s and remain steady until

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